If your loved one has been arrested on suspicion of a crime, it is a difficult situation for everyone. However, you do not have time to feel sorry for yourself. Instead, you must focus your attention on supporting the defendant.
While you probably have many thoughts swirling through your mind, it’s important to stay calm and build a plan. Focus on helping your loved one courtesy of the following steps and the process ahead will be far less stressful.
Post Bail
When a loved one is in custody, the immediate goal is to secure their initial freedom. Posting bail allows them to leave jail and remain free until the date of their trial. Aside from saving them from the trauma of spending weeks behind bars, it provides the best foundation to build upon.
Judges often set five-figure bail figures to deter defendants from taking flight. If you can’t afford this, working with an experienced bail bondsman is the perfect alternative. They will cover the full bail amount and only charge you a small percentage of that figure for their services.
Bail bonds can also be repaid with a repayment plan. So, once your loved one is free, they can take on the subsequent payments. Either way, helping your freedom get out of jail is the first step towards supporting them through this tough time.
Help Them Prepare Their Case
Avoiding unnecessary time behind bars leading up to the trial is a significant success. Once this has been achieved, though, you must focus on helping them get the best outcome from their trial. Otherwise, your loved one may subsequently be sentenced to jail time.
The most important step at this time is to ensure that your loved one finds a good criminal defense lawyer. Without one, even an innocent person may be found guilty if they face a strong prosecution team. An attorney will prepare the evidence and plea to secure better outcomes.
As a loved one, you can also help with issues like character references. Likewise, you may support the defendant in gathering evidence for their attorney. Through a combo of a strong support network and expert representation, the situation looks far brighter.
Help Them With Bail Conditions
When posting bail, your loved one doesn’t only need to stump up the cash. They must also agree to satisfy several terms. Not leaving the State, avoiding people connected to the case, and staying sober are common options. Curfews may also be put in place.
Meanwhile, the defendant will be required to attend regular court hearings leading up to the trial. Providing transportation for your loved one is a nice thing to do, not least because it shows emotional support. It can be a very useful move if they were arrested for a driving offense.
Satisfying bail conditions protects them from re-arrest. It also shows cooperation and highlights that they are not a threat to the public. It can stop the defendant from further legal problems and potentially support their case.
Cultivate A Less Stressful Lifestyle
Even when out on bail, this is an immensely stressful time for your loved one. The bail conditions put strain on their daily lifestyle while the fear of jail circles overhead. Helping them to reduce stress throughout the coming weeks will deliver several benefits.
Learning to manage health and general wellness should be the top item on the agenda. It transforms their physical and emotional well-being. Crucially, this allows them to approach the legal matters with a clearer mindset. In turn, errors become far less likely.
Perhaps most importantly, your loved one will want to feel that they still have control of their life. Backing them to resume their career and manage other life responsibilities will have a positive impact. It even provides a solid platform to build upon after the situation.
Show That You Are OK
When your loved one has been arrested, you will naturally worry about them. Well, they will have concerns about your wellness too. After all, it’s very likely that the defendant will feel like they have burdened you, regardless of whether they’re innocent.
Continuing to live your life in a positive way is one of the best things you can do. Reassuring them that you will be OK regardless of the outcome puts their mind at ease. Financial organization, a happy home, and a general sense of control will all help.
Besides, you have to be prepared for the worst outcome. It’s not selfish to ensure that you will remain OK in any situation. If nothing else, getting your personal affairs under control allows you to then focus your attention on your loved one. Perfect.
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